Joao Carlos joined Liverpool from Portuguese giants Sporting Clube de Portugal, better known as Sporting Lisbon, in January 2012.

The attacking midfield player has been part of the Under-21 set up at Anfield since his arrival and made 20 appearances in the new Barclays Under-21 Premier League last season, scoring two goals.

The 20-year-old, who has represented Portugal at Under-19 and Under-20 level, played for Sporting in the NextGen Series, the Under-19 tournament for the Academy teams at some of Europe’s top clubs, against Liverpool before joining The Reds.

Brentford Manager Uwe Rösler said: “We have been following Joao for a while.

“We have not scored many goals so far this season and it is not down to the lack of opportunities.

“I feel we needed another addition to give us extra quality in the final third.

“We have watched him and now he has become available we have been able to take him.

“We thank Liverpool Football Club for allowing Joao to come here, he will give us something creative we need, especially when teams sit deep against us.

“This is Joao’s first loan spell and we have to be careful with him and look after him.

“We could see today in training that he has enormous quality in terms of his work in the final third, releasing the ball at the right time.

“And he is a goal threat.”

Mark Warburton, Brentford FC Sporting Director, said: “Joao is a player Liverpool bought following very impressive displays in the NextGen Series.

“He is a highly talented Portuguese international and this is his first loan move.

“I am sure he will feel comfortable in a young squad and the environment we have created both at the Training Ground and Griffin Park.

“Frank McParland, Liverpool’s Academy Director, has been a great help to us in getting Joao to Brentford.

“We look forward to seeing him in action and how he develops during his time at Griffin Park.”

Joao spoke to Bees Player after completing his move – see an interview with the young midfield player later.